City news in 250 words: Monday 6 June 2011

Tram accident, burglar on the Range, and charity becomes a con

A MAN HIT BY A TRAM has been critically injured, according to Greater Manchester police. The 67 year old man was struck down in Piccadilly Gardens at 12.15am on Sunday. Investigations continue.

A BURGLAR broke into a child’s bedroom in a flat in Whalley Range, Manchester. The trespasser fled after being disturbed by the three-year-old’s mother, who entered the room upon hearing noises. The man is described as white, 5ft 10’, with a medium build and shaved head. He was wearing a beige top and jeans. Detective Sergeant Scott Halsall, of Greater Manchester Police, commented: "It is easy for any parent to understand just how frightened this mother was to find an intruder breaking in through her child's bedroom.” Police are urging those with any information to come forward.

A CHARITY CON ARTIST is to be jailed for conning members of the public into sponsoring fake parachute jumps for good causes. Mark Maskell, 27, is to be jailed for his sixth ‘charity’ stunt. Maskell, from Stockport, has been caught knocking on the doors of victims for sponsorship money. He posed as a charity worker working for the British Heart Foundation.

A BOLTON MAN has been killed after being hit by a car. The man was struck in Bolton around 23.45 on Saturday. Two arrests have been made after the victim, 61, died shortly after the incident. Both men have been arrested for suspicion of dangerous driving.

Fact of the week: This week in 1976 The Sex Pistols played Manchester's Free Trade Hall, the first of two gigs inspiring Joy Division, The Smiths, Buzzcocks.